This is consistent with the idea that something about excessively high or excessively stable levels of T and related hormones is numbing or depressing. The forms of TRT most likely to avoid these symptoms IMO are:
It is hard to say. I don't know if you have maxed out your SSRI-induced propensity to depression already or if it can worsen further with additional use. I have done the same thing you did recently where I took a few doses of SSRI when I was at a low point and then changed my mind. I am biased against using them for depression and I am grateful that I managed to get through some tough spots without them. Whichever decision you make will be understandable though.
100% anecdotal thoughts here, but I suspect that part of the "feel good" with TRT relates to some kind of change from some kind of baseline. Then, if the baseline stabilizes, it becomes a new normal, and maybe you return to some kind of emotional flatness. I suspect this is a massive oversimplification of the matter. However, it this model is even remotely true, it makes Natesto attractive.
Hey thanks for the offer. I have done some brief reading but what have you found beneficial?
First, I should say that I come from a Judeo-Christian background and have no formal training in theology or philosophy. But, over the last several years, I have done quite a bit of reading in Eastern approaches to understanding the human condition, and have found it pretty helpful.
For me the ssri” seem” to give me the ability to tolerate higher levels of testosterone also. That’s another reason I was thinking about going back to them. At this current time I seem to feel better overall on lower doses (less side effects). But the positives are lower. When I move dose up. I get better libido And more motivated to work out. But also get some old “low cortisol“ symptoms back. i Don’t know if any of these things are what’s actually going on it could all be my perception of things based on what I’ve read over the years. Almost forming some sort of a conformation bias.
Thank you very much for the detailed reply. Fantastic!
Oh sh*t. I should not have read that. Thanks alot.
Would give this more than one like and some heart emojis if the system allowed. Thanks again Brother.
Not anything crazy. I have issues using anything over 80mg a week.Oh sh*t. I should not have read that. Thanks alot.
Repeating to myself....do not look at the bottom shelf of fridge door, do not....
It’s also funny you say that. I just switched to once a week injection. 100mg per week. I dont feel terrible. But I take my shot on Thursday. Start to feel off on Friday then mood kinda sucks sat Sunday. Then I progressively start to feel better. only been on for two weeks. But that’s what’s happened so far.
Well 3 years ago I was running 250mg once a week shot and did that for 3 years pretty much without coming off. Felt more or less myself, hard to say, but since I didn't look for a change I believe it felt OK during that time, don't remember quite well but I was't focused like now on longevity, wellness and cognitive functions. Everyone I knew was running the same 250mg/week with once a week injections. But this was more of a sports orientated TRT if I can say that and def my levels were high. Shame I got no bloodwork to see the actual T levels. Give it a bit more time and see what happens and how you feel. If you feel the same then imo pinning once a week is def more acceptable then doing more frequent injections considering all blood markers and sides are under control.
What’s your propionate dose and how long have you been doing this for? What side effects are you having from doing this?
I'm up to 10 mg daily now and will probably continue working my way up until I start feeling worse. I only switched to propionate a couple weeks ago and have been increasing the dose day by day so it is much too early to make judgments. You asked though so here goes:
Sorry if I missed it. But what do you personally think is the reason cyp gives you issues ? I’ve heard a few guys over the years do well on prop first few weeks till the cyp/ent washed out. Then are on a roller coaster ride.
I think there are a few possibilities (pure speculation):
I share some of the same thoughts and feelings as you. And it seems guys that struggle with trt Have had anxiety and depression in the past or tend to be over thinkers. . so is it actually the trt exacerbating the symptoms. or the way people wired like us overthink trt. I know I’ve had some strange physical symptoms on trt that I think “no way this is in my head “ but who knows.
This was the basis for the Dr. Mariano low-dose SSRI craze and I do think it can work for this purpose. The SSRI seems to act like an "adaptogen", improving the resistance to stress and normalizing HPA function. However, the benefits are part of a larger package that includes emotional blunting, apathy, increased susceptibility to depression, personality changes, sexual dysfunction / risk of PSSD, weight gain, osteoporosis, and other negative consequences too numerous to list.
